When the Hyundai Genesis was introduced back in 2008, the company was hoping it would completely change how buyers looked at the brand by offering new levels of luxury, fit and finish, performance, and quality. And the vehicle started living up to the hype almost immediately, taking home the 2008 North American International Car of the Year award.
Flash forward two years, and the Genesis is continuing to earn honors. For example, the Genesis coupe recently has been named “Just for Fun” car of the year by MotherProof.com, a Web site dedicated to the biggest segment of vehicle shoppers in the U.S.: women.
It’s a great choice, as the Genesis offers plenty of what the judges were looking for, beginning with rear-wheel drive and two engine choices (a turbo four-cylinder offering 210 hp/223 lb-ft of torque and a V6 that goes 306/266). In addition, “R-Spec” and “Track” packages are available and offer such high-performance necessities as a six-speed automatic with paddle shifters, a Brembo braking system, a Torsen limited-slip differential and 19-inch alloy wheels. With EPA ratings that start at 21/30/24 for city/highway/combined driving, and a base MSRP of just $22,000, the Genesis coupe shows fun can be affordable, too.
Hyundai’s superior value proposition also helped the Genesis sedan get named “Best Deal for the Boss” by noted auto Web site Cars.com. Site editors said, “The Genesis does a remarkable job at delivering the experience of a high-end luxury sedan at a much lower price.”
In concrete terms, Puyallup car dealers says that this means the Genesis sedan offers a cabin that’s as quiet as a Mercedes-Benz S-Class, a 17-speaker audio system from the same company that outfits Rolls-Royce, the ability to outperform a BMW 5 Series and panel gaps tight as those on a Lexus. Oh, and a retail price that’s all Hyundai, starting at $33,000.
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